Licensing Examination Practice

Illinois Concrete Finishing Contractor Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which type of cement is most commonly used for general

construction in Illinois?

• Rapid hardening cement
• Ordinary Portland cement
• Sulfate-resistant cement
• Low-heat cement

Rationale: Ordinary Portland cement is the standard type used in

general concrete construction due to its strength and durability.

• What is the main purpose of curing concrete?
• To make it dry faster 1 / 4

• To prevent cracking
• To maintain adequate moisture for hydration
• To increase workability

Rationale: Curing maintains moisture, which allows the chemical

reaction (hydration) to continue, increasing strength and durability.

• The slump test measures which property of fresh concrete?
• Compressive strength
• Workability
• Water absorption
• Setting time

Rationale: The slump test evaluates the consistency and workability

of concrete before it sets.

• Which aggregate size is preferred for thin concrete slabs?
• 1.5 inches
• 3/8 inch
• 2 inches
• 1 inch

Rationale: Smaller aggregates are preferred for thin slabs to ensure

proper compaction and surface finish.

• What is the typical water-cement ratio for durable concrete?

A. 0.9–1.0

B. 0.7–0.8

C. 0.4–0.6 2 / 4

D. 0.2–0.3

Rationale: Lower water-cement ratios improve strength and reduce

permeability, resulting in more durable concrete.

• Which finishing tool is used to smooth the surface of freshly poured

concrete?

• Vibrator
• Trowel
• Screed
• Edger

Rationale: A trowel is used for final smoothing and producing a

uniform surface finish.

• What is the primary cause of plastic shrinkage cracks in concrete?
• Poor mix design
• Excessive curing
• Rapid evaporation of water from the surface
• Low cement content

Rationale: Rapid evaporation before concrete sets causes surface

shrinkage, leading to cracks.

• How long is concrete typically cured to reach sufficient strength for

most construction purposes?

• 3 days
• 5 days
• 7 days 3 / 4

• 28 days

Rationale: Seven days of curing allows concrete to achieve a

significant portion of its designed strength, though full strength develops at 28 days.

• When pouring a concrete slab, reinforcement bars should be

positioned:

• On top of the slab
• Near the middle of the slab thickness
• Along the edges only
• Directly on the subgrade

Rationale: Placing reinforcement near the middle of the slab

balances tensile stress distribution and prevents cracking.

• What is the main purpose of adding air-entraining agents to

concrete?

• Increase strength
• Improve freeze-thaw resistance
• Reduce curing time
• Enhance color

Rationale: Air-entraining agents create tiny air bubbles that allow

water to expand during freezing, reducing damage.

• Which type of concrete finish is best for high-traffic pedestrian

areas?

• Smooth troweled
• / 4